A group calling itself the "Center for Responsible Christian Living" created a press release and a phony website as "a friendly prank." It was sent to many media outlets.

"The scheme was so extensively planned out that it even included fake quotes from actual denomination officials. Additionally, upon calling the posted phone number, reporters reached individuals who claimed to be staff members -- even interns -- for the SBC."

While Fox News reported on the hoax in late June, The Deseret News, one of many media outlets that received the false press release, reported yesterday that the Southern Baptist Convention had approved of gay marriage and "repented" of past homophobia.

The Deseret News apologized for its mistake:

"The Deseret News published the story based on a press release received at the Deseret News offices. It is Deseret News policy to call on all press releases and verify the information received. This did not happen in this circumstance. The Deseret News regrets the error, and offers apologies to our readers for having failed to do our duty responsibly. Special apologies are directed to the Southern Baptist community."

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